The intersectoral nature of MemTrain places our ESRs in an excellent position to translate their research into real world impacts. Whilst this takes time, we have identified a number of projects with significant impact potential.
• We have illustrated the improved yield and stability of membrane protein targets when using novel solubilisation agents such as polymers or novel detergents from Calixar. This provides case studies and technical notes for the partner, increasing their visibility and enabling the field to move forwards.
• We were able to successfully express and purify a fungal membrane protein drug target and developed a spectroscopic functional assay to enable future medicinal chemistry optimisation of the drug series by F2G Ltd.
• We developed a novel targeted polymer-lipid nanoparticle for delivery of doxorubicin to breast cancer cells. On the basis of these results we have been granted BBSRC Impact Accelerator funding to continue this work.”
• We have produced engineered Clostridial strains that are more tolerant to butanol, opening up avenues for commercialisation of biobutanol production to mitigate the harmful effects of petrochemical-derived products.
• We showed that certain reactive compounds can activate a specific membrane receptor that have anti-inflammatory effects, with important implications for understanding regulation of inflammation in disease.
Furthermore, we have made advances on state of the art in a number of areas including, optimisation of membrane protein expression and purification, isolation of extracellular vesicles from cell culture media and production of antibodies as therapeutics. Our ongoing relationships with industrial partners will ensure we maximise impact.
Beyond scientific impact from the results of ESR’s work, we have identified impact from our training on:
Employability – approximately half of the ESRs were able to undertake in person, industrial secondments, which were limited by the Covid-19 pandemic. This has resulted in a number of the ESRs taking up positions in both SMEs and larger industrial research organisations. All ESRs who have completed their PhDs are now in employment within science.
Management and Leadership – ESRs from both cohorts have been involved in supervision of undergraduate and masters students within their laboratories which has given them experience of leading other projects. As the ESRs have become more senior, they have been involved in organising weekly lab meetings, monthly larger group meetings and a monthly seminar series, for which they acquired external sponsorship.
Communication and Outreach – all ESRs took part in our British Council funded project exploring knowledge exchange in a pandemic which provided the opportunity to develop their communication and outreach skills. In addition to this, it built their networks across Asia and Australia.
Developing Long-term Research Networks – all ESRs have attended the UK Membrane Protein Workshop which provided extensive networking opportunities, as well as networks gained from the activities above. Additionally, they each attended conferences within their specialist field which provided strong networking opportunities.
